With support from the Preschool Development Grant, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is supporting a training initiative to help build a cross-disciplinary workforce across Pennsylvania that understands very young children’s mental health and development and can provide better, more informed support to families and caregivers.
You, or a Children First PA representative(s) of your choosing, are invited to participate in an upcoming DC:0–5™: Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood Overview webinar. This 90-minute session is designed for policy leaders, advocates, and human services administrators who play a pivotal role in shaping systems that support the mental health and well-being of our youngest children.
About the Training:
The DC:0–5™ framework provides a developmentally sensitive approach to understanding and classifying mental health and developmental disorders in children from birth through age five. The overview will:
- Introduce the purpose and structure of the DC:0–5™;
- Highlight its role in transforming early identification and intervention practices; and
- Explore implications for policy, advocacy, and service delivery.
Why Your Participation Matters:
Your leadership and expertise are essential in ensuring that policies and programs reflect the latest understanding of infant/early childhood mental health. By engaging in this training, you will be better equipped to:
- Inform policy decisions with evidence-based practices;
- Strengthen cross-sector collaboration; and
- Support equitable access to infant/early childhood mental health services and supports.
DATE: February 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EST
Participants will need to create a free eLearn account with ZERO TO THREE if they do not already have one to complete their registration.
Priority registration is available through February 11, 2026, before the training announcement is made public the following day. Space is limited to 100 attendees.
We look forward to your participation in this important conversation and to working together to advance the well-being of young children and their families. If you cannot attend this session, there will be additional opportunities in 2027, as this initiative also includes a Training of Trainers strategy.
If you have any additional questions, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp.